STAT+: Pharma critic Bernie Sanders is set to hold major sway over FDA funding bill

WASHINGTON – Democrats’ landslide victory in the midterm elections may have significant implications for the upcoming negotiations over a key funding source for the Food and Drug Administration in part by empowering a major critic of the program. The FDA collects user fees from pharmaceutical companies to fund the agency’s reviews of their medicines. The Prescription User Fee Drug Act must be renewed before the current law expires on Sept. 30. Otherwise, it could disrupt the FDA’s ability to approve medicines. The power to shape that legislation will fall to senior Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who is likely to lead the Senate’s health committee. Sanders is one of the few lawmakers who have opposed the core premise of the user fee structure. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe